November 2007 eNewsletter

Getting the proper rest and sleep is often a challenge for cancer patients. Fear and anxiety may cause sleepless nights; treatments may induce insomnia; pressures of chores and responsibilities may prevent a much-needed rest. Offer to "nap nanny". Come over to the cancer patient's house and do whatever is necessary to allow peace and quiet. If children or pets are a problem, offer to take them to your house for the day or night. If chores need to be done, come over and iron, cook, clean or do yardwork while your friend or loved one rests comfortably. Bring a new pillow, a fresh set of sheets or a new pair of pajamas. Your friend or loved one will get some sleep, and you may find some time to dream, too!

To cancer patients:

If you feel tired and run-down, ask a friend to help you find the time to take a nap. Give them a list of things they can do for you while you slumber. You'll wake up rested and refreshed, and they will feel great that they've been able to help. Sweet dreams!

"In our whole life melody, the music is broken off here and there by rests, and we foolishly think we have come to the end of time. God sends a time of forced leisure, a time of sickness and disappointed plans, and makes a sudden pause in the hymns of our lives. Be it ours to learn the time and not be dismayed at the rests." --John Ruskin

The journal Science reported that a worldwide search for plants that may have cancer-fighting powers has found a promising compound in the ordinary grape. While more work is needed to confirm studies with mice, the substance called resveratrol may help prevent or treat cancer in humans. While studying a Peruvian legume called Cassia quinquangulata, researchers discovered the compound which is also found in grapes, particularly red grapes, and grape products including wine.

John Pezzuto, a pharmaceutical scientist at the University of Illinois, does not recommend gobbling down grapes or guzzling unhealthy amounts of wine. But it does pave the way to research if resveratrol could be used as a preventative dietary supplement for people at high-risk for cancer or perhaps to even treat the disease. So this Thanksgiving, raise a glass in thanks!

Dear Cancer Club,

In November '96, I began chemo for ovarian cancer, two days after my 38th birthday. One day my husband asked me to stop by our travel agency to pick up tickets. When I walked in, the young lady sitting at the desk greeted me with, "What a great hat! You know, no one wears hats anymore. But they look so great. I think they just make an outfit. You look stunning." And then in a whisper she asked, "But are you having a bad hair day?" Without a pause, I said, "No. I'm having a NO hair day!" When I lifted my hat up, her eyes popped out of her head! Her boss who was standing in the doorway turned around, went into his office and closed the door. I'm wondering if they're still having nightmares!

Kris Silverman, Glendora, CA

Dear Cancer Club,

May I share a laugh with you, telling what happened to one friend? Nancy was six months ahead of me in her cancer experience, and had just had a new nipple made following breast cancer surgery. We were at choir practice, and Nancy was anxious to show off her nipples. A group of women went into the church to admire the work and share comments and chuckles. When our pastor was sure it was safe to come in, he said, "Did you know the PA system was on in the chapel?" He said the only thing heard was laughter, but we're convinced he may have had an earful about Nancy's new nipple. Keep up the good work. It's wonderful!

Annie Smith, Brooklin, ME

Dear Cancer Club,

Seven years after my first surgery for cancer, low and behold I found I had it again. They decided to put in a port because I have such bad veins. I told my dear, dear surgeon I had some questions about the port. Anything that requires a needle, they can do with a port? "Give or take blood, I.V., chemo?" I asked.

"That's right," the doctor replied. And I said, "Well, if it does all of that, can you have sex through it?" He said, "I give up!" Anyway, I'm hanging in there!

Elaine Collier, Sellersburg, IN

ABOUT...COOLJAMAZ™ For Night Sweats ? Pajamas and lounge wear for women with night sweats. Bandanas made of the same moisture wicking properties for those who don't want to wear wigs. Visit www.cooljamaz.com for store locations in your area.

ABOUT...MoonLight Pillows™: For Post Surgical Breast Support? Super soft, feminine, and fun pillows to comfort and soothe.Call (612) 8682160 or visit www. moonlightpillows.com.

ABOUT...The Great Thing About Chemo? Ovarian cancer survivor Bonnie Lou Hart Southcott's humorous cards and calendars. Visit http://www.thegreatthingaboutchemo.com/

Personal tragedy effects people in various ways; however, in a study conducted by the University of California, Davis of 2,000 people, 80% could point to positive effects that later had grown out of a major misfortune such as bereavement or serious illness. Long- term benefits included greater confidence, more self-esteem, a new perspective and an active approach to dealing with problems.

"God allows us to experience the low points in life in order to teach us lessons we could not have learned in any other way." --C.S. Lewis

The Cancer Club™, based in Minneapolis, MN, was created by Christine Clifford in 1995 in response to her diagnosis of Stage III metastatic breast cancer at the age of 40 in 1994. Christine, whose mother died of breast cancer at 42, found during her own treatments that while family and friends were supportive, noone ever gave her anything to make her laugh.

Needing a lift, Christine began to search for signs of humor in herself and her predicament. She found them daily. The more she laughed, the stronger she grew, and The Cancer Club™ was born.

The critically acclaimed Cancer Club™ is the first organization to offer hope and support to cancer patients, their families and friends through the healing power of humor. A dynamic speaker, Christine has traveled the globe with her keynote presentations and seminars on using humor to get through life's adversities.

Christine is married to speaker/author Harry Beckwith (co-authors of You, Inc. The Art of Selling Yourself) and is the mother of five boys: Harry, Jr., Tim, Walter, Brooks & Cole; a daughter Cooper, a cat Simone and grandmother to a Siberian Husky named Skylar. Call The Cancer Club™ today or email us to book Christine for your next event. Don't forget to laugh! ™

We hope you've enjoyed this edition of The Cancer Club™ eNewsletter. We'd like to thank our FABulous illustrator Jack Lindstrom of FAB Artists!

If you have a humorous or interesting story about cancer, send it to us at: P.O. Box 24747 Edina, MN 55424-0747 or email us at: Christine@cancerclub.com

Visit us online at www.cancerclub.com

See you in December! Don't forget to laugh!™